Mark Wagner
July 12, 2008
Mark “Wags” Wagner lost his courageous 16 month battle with Multiple Myeloma on July 12, 2008. He was able to reach one final goal; to spend his last days in the new home he and his wife Kathy had bought in Dallas Center. He was surrounded by a loving group of family and friends throughout his battle and up to the end of his life.
Mark was born September 18, 1944 to Ruth and Donald Wagner. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1962 and received his BA from Drake University in 1967 and his Masters in 1980. Mark began his long career at Valley High School in 1967 as a coach and teacher for over 35 years. He briefly worked with Beaty and Associates in 1986 but missed coaching and returned to Valley in 1990. Mark coached boys and girls swimming; teaching not only swimming and competing, but “life lessons” that students could carry into adulthood. Mark led Valley to Iowa State Girls’ championships in 1974 and ’75 and an Iowa State Boys’ championship in 1984 and coached a swimmer who went on to be an Olympian. In 1988, Mark was named to the Iowa High School Swim Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame - the only coach to be inducted while still actively coaching. He was named Iowa High School Swimming Coaches Association, Coach of the Year (Girls) in 1971, ’73 and ’75, (Boys) in 1984 and 2000. In addition to coaching and teaching, Mark was the Swim Pro at Hyperion Field Club from 1971-1986. Mark left Valley in 2006 to run the swimming program at Simpson College.
After retirement he thoroughly enjoyed spending time playing golf, traveling with Kathy, teaching his grandchildren to swim, and an occasional poker night. Time spent with family and close friends was a priority in his life.
He is survived by his wife, Kathy Wagner; son, Garth of Jackson, WY; daughter Melinda (Charlie) Grask of Des Moines; stepson, Christopher Haines of Des Moines; stepdaughter, Susan Haines of Dallas Center; grandchildren, Madalyn, Lindsey and Blake Grask, and Avery Haines; brothers, Kent (Sue) Wagner, Craig (Jan) Wagner, Brian (Jane) Wagner, all of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family who will distribute the funds to Mark's favorite charities and organizations including the establishment of a scholarship in his name at Valley High School in the swimming program.
Visitation is Sunday, August 3, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. The memorial service will be Monday, August 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Tammy Meyers
08/28/2008
I am truly heartbroke over your loss. I found out about "Wags" today, when I was checking the Girls Swimming schedule. He was a once in a lifetime kind of guy and coach. Without him I wouldn't have become the individual I am today. He took a "two-piece", back in 1975, swimmer and turned me into a Varsity swimmer and made me believe in myself.
My mom came last weekend for a visit and I told her how much I had been thinking about "Wags" and wanted to go back and see him. I wish I would have been able to come back last year to see him, but the weather didn't cooperate.
Hold your memories close to your heart, because that is where I will always keep mine. "Wags" you are the best!!!!
Take care and God Bless
Tammy "Tigger" Trager Meyers
jim voss
08/04/2008
To the Members of Mark Wagner's family
Mark will be missed by all. I had the good fortune to coach against Mark while I was at Washington High in Cedar Rapids. He was a terrific role model for the entire state. His teams were well disciplined, had good techniques, were in good condition and very well prepared mentally for competition.
Mark made a very positive impact in your community and throughtout the state. He is well respected and the things that he taught his athletes will and did help them become productive adults.
He was also willing to share his ideas and take ideas from his fellow coaches. He was a leader and an inspiration to all of us.
I thank the good Lord that I had the privilege to work with and know Mark.
May God bless all of you.
Sincerely
Jim Voss
Chrissy Mataya
07/17/2008
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in my thoughts.
Chrissy Mataya
Jenny Peterson
07/15/2008
I just heard the news and wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Take Care,
Jenny (Aronow) Peterson
VHS Class of '92
Jennifer Meskimen Petrick
07/14/2008
Wagner Family,
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Mark's passing. He was truly a man that lived life and had fun doing it! Garth and Mindy, I know all too well what you are feeling right now. It is so hard to lose your father. Hold tight to each other right now and know that your friends are there to uplift you whenever you need them.
God Bless your entire family!
Amy Cummings Svendson
07/15/2008
Garth...I just wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I remember your dad always having a cheerful smile at the end of quarter mile hall (usually followed by ,"You better hurry to class".) Know that heaven is a much better place than earth. Take care and keep God close to your heart. AMY